T08 · Insecure Dependencies
- Location
README.md:48- Finding
Dependency Installation Without Integrity Verification
- Content
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Vulnerability Details
File Location:
README.md:48
Vulnerability Type: Supply-chain integrity weakness
Risk Level: LowVulnerable Code:
bash pip install python-docx==1.2.0Technical Analysis
The documentation instructs users to install a third-party Python package directly with
pip. Pinning the package to version1.2.0provides version stability, and the package name is consistent with the script'sdocximport. However, the command does not verify the package's cryptographic hash and implicitly trusts the package index configured in the user's environment.If that index, a configured mirror, DNS resolution, or the associated package-distribution account is compromised, an altered package could be installed. Python package installation and subsequent imports can execute package-controlled code.
Attack Path
- An attacker compromises or controls the Python package index or mirror configured for the target environment.
- The attacker publishes or substitutes malicious package artifacts matching
python-docx==1.2.0. - A user follows the documented installation command.
pipretrieves the unverified artifact from the compromised source.- Attacker-controlled code may execute during installation or when
generate_docx.pyimports the package.
This path requires prior control of, or influence over, the package distribution channel used by the victim.
Impact Assessment
Successful exploitation could execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running
pipor the document-generation script. Potential effects include access to files readable by that user, alteration of generated documents, credential theft from the user context, and further compromise of the local environment. The issue does not independently provide elevated or administrative privileges.- Remediation
View remediation
Remediation Suggestions
- Add a dependency lock file containing cryptographic hashes and require hash validation:
bash pip install --require-hashes -r requirements.txt - Pin the exact package version and all transitive dependencies in that lock file.
- Generate and review hashes from artifacts obtained through a trusted package repository.
- Explicitly configure a trusted package index rather than inheriting an unknown system or user-level mirror.
- Install dependencies inside a dedicated, least-privileged virtual environment.
- Periodically review and update locked dependencies after checking their provenance and published security advisories.
- Add a dependency lock file containing cryptographic hashes and require hash validation:
